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MOORHEAD — Two former Moorhead Spuds took turns throwing birdie opportunities at each other over the course of 18 holes Saturday at Moorhead Country Club. The result has Ian Simonich and Ben Welle in pole position for the Red River Amateur Championship presented by Verazity Storage.
Simonich had four birdies on the day in shooting a 1-under 71 and is tied with first-day leader and North Dakota State teammate Nate Deziel heading into the final 18 holes on Sunday. Welle had five birdies on his way to a 71 and sits just one shot back.
Deziel had a four-shot lead at one point, but struggled on both par-3s on the back nine, carding double bogeys on each. Still, he made an eagle and a couple birdies and will be in Sunday's final pairing. The tournament will be aired live on WDAY's Xtra channel from noon to 5 p.m.
Jack Dudek also had a 71 and is just two shots back. University of South Dakota golfer Logan Hamak and Cody Cederberg are just three behind.
